Dymphna Laurie, AM

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy - University of Melbourne

Graduate Diploma Rehabilitation Studies - La Trobe University

Diploma Social Studies - Adelaide University

Bachelor of Arts - Adelaide University

Dymphna has been actively involved in the disability field for over 20 years. Dymphna has held senior positions in the non-government sector, both in Australia and in Canada.

Dymphna has been a senior disability conciliator with the Equal opportunity Commission, and a senior advocate/guardian at the Office of the Public Advocate. In addition to this, Dymphna has played a key role in numerous consultancy projects over a 14 year period for the Commonwealth, State and Local governments, as well as participating in organisation reviews in the non government sector.

Committed to fostering social justice for all people with a disability, Dymphna has chosen to concentrate on projects that offer the potential to promote rights, independence and inclusion of people with a disability.

In 2006 Dymphna was awarded Member of the Order of Australia 'for service to people with disabilities as an advocate for improved disability policies and services through community and public sector organisations'.

Dymphna has a sound knowledge of public policy and policy analysis, organisational development and evaluation. Coupled with this is Dymphna's ability to communicate effectively with people who have a wide range of needs, with service providers and with government stakeholders.